Binoculars covers

ABSTRACT

A binoculars cover can include a fabric shell, a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell that can secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars. An area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminate scratching of the objected lenses of the binoculars. Method of securing a cover to binoculars and a method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars are also described.

PRIORITY DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/378,149, filed on Aug. 22, 2016, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Binoculars include a pair of telescopes that are mounted side-by-sideand aligned in the same direction to allow a viewer to look through thepair of telescopes with both eyes. Binoculars can provide the viewerwith a three-dimensional image. Thus, as compared to a monoculartelescope, binoculars offer enhanced depth perception to a viewer. Assuch, binoculars can be powerful optical tools in a variety ofendeavors, such as hunting, bird watching, military operations, and thelike.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides binoculars covers that can include aflexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interiorcavity and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface. Theflexible fabric shell can be adapted for placement of binoculars withinthe interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in theflexible fabric shell. A strap can be coupled to the flexible fabricshell, which can be configured to secure the flexible fabric shell tothe binoculars. An area of the interior surface of the flexible fabricshell can minimize or eliminate scratching of the eyepieces and/orobjective lenses of the binoculars. In some examples, the binocularscover can include a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell andextending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lensside of the flexible fabric shell.

A method of securing a cover to binoculars is also described herein. Themethod can include coupling a strap to a flexible fabric shell. Thestrap can extend from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to alens side of the flexible fabric shell. The method can also includesecuring the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars via the strap.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface ofbinoculars is also described herein. The method can include insertingthe binoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via anexpandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being definedby an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interiorsurface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching ofthe scratch-sensitive surface.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention so that the detailed description thereof thatfollows may be better understood, and so that the present contributionto the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the presentinvention will become clearer from the following detailed description ofthe invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or maybe learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of an exterior surface of a binoculars cover,in accordance with examples of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of an interior surface of a binoculars cover,in accordance with examples of the current disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an exterior surface of a closable storagepouch for a binoculars cover, in accordance with examples of the currentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an interior surface of a closable storagepouch for a binoculars cover, in accordance with examples of the currentdisclosure.

These drawings are provided to illustrate various aspects of theinvention and are not intended to be limiting of the scope in terms ofdimensions, materials, configurations, arrangements or proportionsunless otherwise limited by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may be realized and that variouschanges to the invention may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detaileddescription of the embodiments of the present invention is not intendedto limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe thefeatures and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth thebest mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable oneskilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the followingterminology will be used.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a particle” includes reference to one or more of such materials andreference to “subjecting” refers to one or more such steps.

As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance,“substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficientlysmall so as to not measurably detract from the identified property orcircumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some casesdepend on the specific context.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures orelements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent”may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near orclose to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exactdegree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presentedherein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range formatis used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpretedflexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited asthe limits of the range, but also to include all the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, anumerical range of about 1 to about 4.5 should be interpreted to includenot only the explicitly recited limits of 1 to about 4.5, but also toinclude individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only onenumerical value, such as “less than about 4.5,” which should beinterpreted to include all of the above-recited values and ranges.Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadthof the range or the characteristic being described.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in anyorder and are not limited to the order presented in the claims.Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only beemployed where for a specific claim limitation all of the followingconditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for”is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expresslyrecited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plusfunction are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly,the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions andexamples given herein.

In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having”and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent lawand can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generallyinterpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or“consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components,structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction withsuch terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law.“Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have themeaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular,such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowinginclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, orelements, that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith.For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affectingthe compositions nature or characteristics would be permissible ifpresent under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though notexpressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. Whenusing an open ended term, like “comprising” or “including,” it isunderstood that direct support should be afforded also to “consistingessentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as ifstated explicitly and vice versa.

Binoculars Cover

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below andspecific technology embodiments are then described in further detail.This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding thetechnology more quickly, but is not intended to identify key oressential features of the technology, nor is it intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

A binoculars cover can include a flexible fabric shell having aninterior surface defining an interior cavity and an exterior surfaceopposite the interior surface. The flexible fabric shell can be adaptedfor placement of binoculars within the interior cavity via an expandableand contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell. A strap can becoupled to the flexible fabric shell, which can be configured to securethe flexible fabric shell to the binoculars. An area of the interiorsurface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminatescratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars. In some examples,the binoculars cover can include a strap coupled to the flexible fabricshell and extending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shellto a lens side of the flexible fabric shell.

A method of securing a cover to binoculars is also described herein. Themethod can include coupling a strap to a flexible fabric shell. Thestrap can extend from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to alens side of the flexible fabric shell. The method can also includesecuring the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars via the strap.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface ofbinoculars is also described herein. The method can include insertingthe binoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via anexpandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being definedby an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interiorsurface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching ofthe scratch-sensitive surface.

It is noted that when discussing a binoculars cover, a method ofsecuring a cover to binoculars, or a method of minimizing abrasion to ascratch-sensitive surface of binoculars, each of these discussions canbe considered applicable to each of these examples, whether or not theyare explicitly discussed in the context of that particular example.Thus, for example, in discussing a binoculars cover, features related tothe binoculars cover can also be applicable to any of the methodsdescribed herein, and vice versa.

With this initial overview in mind, the binoculars covers of the currentdisclosure will be described in more detail. One example of a binocularscover 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The binoculars cover 100 caninclude a flexible fabric shell 110. The flexible fabric shell can bemade of a variety of materials. Typically, any soft, flexible materialcan be used. Non-limiting examples can include neoprene, neogreen,lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyester, polyamide, polyethylene,polypropylene, cotton, silk, wool, or combinations thereof.

The flexible fabric shell 110 can have an interior surface 120 definingan interior cavity 122 and an exterior surface 124 opposite the interiorsurface 120. The interior surface and the exterior surface can be madeof the same material or different materials. In some examples, theinterior surface can be made of, include, and/or be lined with amaterial that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the eyepieces,objective lenses, and/or other surfaces of binoculars. In otherexamples, at least a portion or an area of the interior surface can bemade of, include, and/or be lined with a material that minimizes oreliminates scratching of the eyepieces, objective lenses, and/or othersurfaces of binoculars. In some examples, the portion or area of theinterior surface that is made of, includes, and/or is lined with thescratch-minimizing material can include an area that is intended ordesigned to interface with an eyepiece, an objective lens, and/or otherscratch-sensitive surface of binoculars.

Generally, the scratch-minimizing material, or the material thatminimizes or eliminates scratching, can include any soft, non-abrasivematerial. Non-limiting examples can include cotton, chamois, polyvinylalcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof.In some examples, the scratch-minimizing material can be a microfibermaterial. In some examples, the microfiber material can be made ofpolyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide. In some examples, themicrofiber material can be a split microfiber material, such that all ora majority of the individual microfiber filaments are split intomulti-stranded filaments.

In some examples, a tab, handle, or other gripping feature can bepositioned on or coupled to the exterior surface of the flexible fabricshell opposite an area made of, including, and/or lined with thescratch-minimizing material. Thus, a user can grasp the tab or othergripping feature coupled to the exterior surface of the flexible fabricshell and manipulate the scratch-minimizing material disposed oppositethe gripping feature to clean an eyepiece, an objective lens, etc. ofbinoculars. The tab, handle, or other gripping feature can also be madeout of a variety of materials. Non-limiting examples can include,neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyester, polyamide,polyethylene, polypropylene, cotton, silk, wool, or a combinationthereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible fabric shell 110 can be adaptedfor placement of binoculars, such as binoculars 170, within the interiorcavity 122 via an expandable and contractible opening 130 in theflexible fabric shell 110. As there are many different sizes ofbinoculars, the flexible fabric shell can be made to accommodate avariety of sizes of binoculars. In some examples, the flexible fabricshell can be a universal shell that is adapted to accommodate all ormost sizes of binoculars. In other examples, the flexible fabric shellcan be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate different ranges ofbinocular sizes.

The flexible fabric shell can accommodate a plurality of sizes ofbinoculars for a number of reasons. For example, the flexible fabricshell can be made of a stretchable material. When the flexible fabricshell is made of a stretchable material, it can be stretched to coverlarger sized binoculars, while being able to accommodate smaller sizedbinoculars without significant stretching. Further, whether the flexiblefabric shell is stretchable or not, the flexible fabric shell caninclude an expandable and contractible opening, such as opening 130.Thus, the expandable and contractible opening can be expanded to let outor contracted to draw in the flexible fabric material to adjust a volumeof the interior cavity to a greater or lesser volume, as desired. Theexpandable and contractible opening can include a variety of features tofacilitate expansion and/or contraction of the opening. Non-limitingexamples can include an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a cinch, astrap, a zipper, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a strap 140 can be coupled to theflexible fabric shell 110. The strap can be configured to secure theflexible fabric shell 110 to binoculars, such as binoculars 170. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some examples, the strap can beoriented to cross the expandable and contractible opening laterally. Inother examples, the strap can be oriented to cross the expandable andcontractible opening longitudinally. In yet other examples, the strap,or a pair of straps, can be oriented to cross the expandable andcontractible opening both laterally and longitudinally.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 140 includes two strapsegments. Each of the strap segments is attached to the flexible fabricshell at opposite lateral sides of the expandable and contractibleopening. Additionally, in this example, each of the strap segments iscoupled to the flexible fabric shell such that opposite ends of each ofthe strap segments are coupled at distinct locations (i.e. one end iscoupled towards an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell and oneend is coupled towards a lens side of the flexible fabric shell). Assuch, each of the strap segments forms an angular orientationterminating at a connecting feature such that when the two strapsegments are connected, a cross-pattern is formed. The cross-pattern canbe adjusted from nearly linear to perpendicular, as desired. In yetother examples, separate pairs of straps can also be used to form thesame cross patterns. For example, one or more pairs of strap segmentscan connect across the expandable and contractible opening in a linearmanner, either laterally, longitudinally, or diagonally. In otherexamples, the straps can be parallel, rather than crossing. In yet otherexamples, one or more straps can be parallel and can be crossed by oneor more non-parallel straps. In one specific example, a strap can extendfrom an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell (i.e. the side of theflexible fabric shell intended to be positioned over the eyepieces ofthe binoculars) to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell (i.e. theside of the flexible fabric shell intended to be positioned over theobjective lenses of the binoculars). In another specific example, astrap can extend laterally across the expandable and contractibleopening in a linear manner such that the strap does not extend from theeyepiece side to the lens side of the flexible fabric shell. In yetanother specific example, the strap can be coupled to flexible fabricshell such that a first end or terminus of the strap or strap segment iscoupled to the flexible fabric shell at a position more proximate theeyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell than a second end or terminusof the strap of strap segment.

The straps can be made of a variety of materials. Non-limiting examplescan include leather, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide,ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline,cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.

A number of connecting features can be used to connect individual strapsegments. While the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a buckle,the individual strap segments can be connected via a buckle, a snap, ahook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, the like, or a combinationthereof. In some examples, the strap does not include a connectingfeature, but is coupled to the flexible fabric shell at substantiallyopposite sides of the expandable and contractible opening.

In some examples, a closeable storage pouch or container can be attachedto the flexible fabric shell to store the flexible fabric shell when notin use. An example of a closeable storage pouch 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. The closeable storage pouch 200 can have a body 215 offlexible or rigid material. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the body215 of the closeable storage pouch 200 is made of a soft, flexiblematerial, such as a material used to make the flexible fabric shell ofthe binoculars cover. However, in other examples, the closeable storagepouch can be made of a more rigid material, such as leather,polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, aluminum, tin, the like, orcombinations thereof. In some examples, the closeable storage containercan include a rigid material inserted within or lined with a moreflexible material. As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, insome examples, the same materials can be made soft and flexible or hardand rigid depending on the molecular weight, coordination, crosslinking,weave, or other features of the particular material.

The closeable storage pouch can also include an attachment feature 250to facilitate attachment of the closeable storage pouch to a user'sclothing, gear, or the like. Such attachment features can include aclip, clasp, clamp, strap, buckle, snap, hook and loop fastener, button,magnet, the like, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, the closeable storage pouch can be closeable via a varietyof enclosing features 260. Such enclosing features can include afoldable flap, such as the foldable flap illustrated in FIG. 3, forexample, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, a button, a clip, akiss lock, a magnet, the like, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a soft cleaning material 218can be attached to an interior surface of the closeable storage pouch200. The soft cleaning material can be made of a variety of materials,such as cotton, chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof, for example. In onespecific example, the soft cleaning material can be a microfibermaterial. In some examples, the microfiber material can be made ofpolyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide. In some examples, themicrofiber material can be a split microfiber material, such that all ora majority of the individual microfiber filaments are split intomulti-stranded filaments.

Additionally, in some examples, the closeable storage pouch 200 caninclude a coupling feature 225 for coupling the closeable storage pouch200 to the flexible fabric shell of the binoculars cover. In someexamples, the coupling feature 225 can be permanently coupled to boththe closeable storage pouch 200 and the flexible fabric shell. In otherexamples, the coupling feature can be removably coupleable to thecloseable storage pouch and/or the flexible fabric shell. Where thecoupling feature is removably coupleable to the closeable storage pouchand/or the flexible fabric shell, the coupling feature can be removablycoupleable via a buckle, a magnet, a clip, a clamp, a snap, a strap, thelike, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the coupling featurecan be coupled at an exterior surface of the closeable storagecontainer. In other examples, the coupling feature can be coupled at aninterior surface of the closeable storage container.

In some examples, where the binoculars cover includes a closeablestorage pouch, the closeable storage pouch can be storable againsteither the interior surface or the exterior surface of the flexiblefabric shell. For example, the flexible fabric shell and/or thecloseable storage pouch can include a pouch, pocket, clasp, snap, hookand loop fastener, button, clip, clamp, buckle, magnet, the like orcombination thereof to store the closeable storage pouch against anexterior or interior surface of the flexible fabric shell when thecloseable storage pouch is not in use. Alternatively, as describedabove, the closeable storage pouch can be removably coupleable to theflexible fabric shell so the it can be removed from the flexible fabricshell when not in use.

The present disclosure also provides a method of securing a cover to apair of binoculars. The method can include coupling a strap to aflexible fabric shell such that the strap extends from an eyepiece sideof the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabricshell. The flexible fabric shell can be secured to the binoculars viathe strap. As described above, the strap can include a plurality ofstraps or strap segments. In one specific example, where a plurality ofstraps is used, the plurality of straps can consist of a pair of straps.In one example, the pair of straps or at least one of the plurality ofstraps can cross one another. The strap segments can be connectable asdescribed above.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface ofbinoculars is also described herein. The method can include insertingbinoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via anexpandable and contractible opening. The interior cavity can be definedby an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interiorsurface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching thescratch-sensitive surface. In some examples, the area that minimizes oreliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface can cover theentire interior surface. In another example, the area that minimizes oreliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface can cover aportion of the interior surface that is intended, designed, orconfigured to interface with the scratch-sensitive surface. In someexamples, the scratch-sensitive surface of the binoculars can include anobjective lens, an eyepiece, or both.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will beappreciated that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings areto be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, andall such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall withinthe scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A binoculars cover, comprising: a flexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, the flexible fabric shell being adapted for placement of binoculars within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell; a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell, said strap being configured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars; and an area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars.
 2. A binoculars cover, comprising: a flexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, the flexible fabric shell being adapted for placement of binoculars within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell; and a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell and extending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell, said strap being configured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars.
 3. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible fabric shell comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.
 4. The binoculars cover of claim 1, further comprising an area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the eyepieces of the binoculars.
 5. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof.
 6. The binoculars cover of claim 5, wherein the material is a microfiber material.
 7. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars covers the entire inner surface.
 8. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars covers a portion of the interior surface configured to interface with the objective lenses of the binoculars.
 9. The binoculars cover of claim 1, further comprising a tab coupled to the exterior surface, said tab being disposed proximate to the objective lenses of the binoculars and opposite the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars.
 10. The binoculars cover of claim 9, wherein the tab comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.
 11. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the expandable and contractible opening comprises at least one of an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a cinch, a strap, and a zipper.
 12. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a plurality of straps.
 13. The binoculars cover of claim 12, wherein the plurality of straps consists of a pair of straps.
 14. The binoculars cover of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of straps is configured to cross one another.
 15. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a material selected from the group consisting of leather, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.
 16. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises two strap segments that are connectable via a buckle, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, or a combination thereof.
 17. The binoculars cover of claim 1, further comprising a closeable storage pouch attached to the flexible fabric shell, said closeable storage pouch comprising a soft cleaning material attached to an interior surface of the closeable storage pouch, and an attachment feature configured to attach the closeable storage pouch to a user's gear.
 18. The binoculars cover of claim 17, wherein the closeable storage pouch is storable against either the interior surface or the exterior surface of the flexible fabric shell via at least one of a pouch, a pocket, a clasp, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a clip, a clamp, a buckle, and a magnet.
 19. A method of securing a cover to binoculars, comprising: coupling a strap to a flexible fabric shell, said strap extending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell; and securing the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars via the strap.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the strap comprises a plurality of straps.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the plurality of straps consists of a pair of straps.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the pair of straps crosses one another.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the strap comprises two strap segments that are connectable via a buckle, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, or a combination thereof.
 24. A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars, comprising: inserting the binoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via an expandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being defined by an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell, the interior surface comprising an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface covers the entire interior surface.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface covers a portion of the interior surface that is configured to interface with the scratch-sensitive surface.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the scratch-sensitive surface comprises at least one of an objective lens of the binoculars and an eyepiece of the binoculars. 